Brookhaven Wells Fargo Bank robber sought by police

By JOHN KOPP

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Brookhaven police are looking for a man who attempted to rob the Wells Fargo Bank on the 3600 block of Edgmont Avenue on Monday afternoon.

The suspect, a white man in his late teens or early 20s, was wearing a large, maroon sweatshirt with the hood pulled over a portion of his head, police said. The suspect also was described as short and thin.

The man walked into the bank around 5 p.m. Monday and handed a hand-written note to the teller, police said. The note demanded the teller to open the drawers and threatened to shoot her if she did not keep her hands visible, police said. The suspect did not showcase a gun.

The teller took the note, walked backward and told the suspect she "can't do that," police said. The suspect was shocked by the remark and fled the bank by the rear of the property, police said.

Police did not reveal the identity of the teller, but described her as an experienced teller and the spouse of a high-ranking police official in Delaware County.

Brookhaven police officers Robert Barth and Jason Diamond responded to the call and searched the area for the suspect. They were joined by Chester Police Officer William Murphy and a canine.

Police Chief Randy McGoldrick said police believe the man also is responsible for robbing the Shell gas station on the 3900 block of Edgmont Avenue on Friday evening.

In that robbery, McGoldrick said, the suspect implied he had a knife and successfully stole about $200. McGoldrick said police have video of the suspect and noted he fled to rear of the property.

McGoldrick said police have several leads on the suspect.

"We're closing in on the guy," he said.

Brookhaven police are asking anyone who can identify the subject to call Barth at 610-876-6142 Ext. 54 or McGoldrick at Ext. 15.